SANTA CLARA, Calif. — PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX — July 3, 2002
...for Phase 2 Development of U.S. Army Cost Effective Targeting System Prototypes
Intevac, Inc. (Nasdaq: IVAC), today announced an order from DRS Sensor Systems, Inc. ("DRS") for the Phase 2 System Development of a LIVAR® sub-system to be incorporated into Cost Effective Targeting System ("CETS"). CETS is an autonomous gimbal-mounted sensor suite for Unmanned Ground Vehicle ("UGV") applications designed to provide target detection, location and identification.
Intevac was teamed with DRS in Phase 1 of this program which was completed last year. The DRS led CETS Team was awarded the Phase 2 contract on May 22, 2002 in a competition down-select.
The Phase 2 program objective is to build two CETS prototypes and integrate them with an UGV platform. The Phase 2 effort is scheduled to last over 3 years, during which Intevac is responsible for the complete LIVAR® subsystem including the laser illuminator, LIVAR® camera, and related optics and controls. Phase 2 will include demonstration of the fully integrated CETS with the Demo III Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) platform as part of the Networked Sensors for the Objective Force Science and Technology Objective (NSOF STO) and ultimately will support the Army's Future Combat System (FCS).
Intevac's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kevin Fairbairn, added, "The Army's award of the CETS contract is a clear indication that the Army places high priority on the capability to identify targets at long ranges. LIVAR® is the crucial technology that makes the CETS concept possible. The CETS program will make it possible for this critical technology to be applied to other target identification system needs. Phase 2 CETS is a crucial step in moving LIVAR® toward volume production. Intevac now has a large and important role in CETS based on our responsibility for the development and integration of the complete LIVAR® sub-system."
Mr. Verle Aebi, President of Intevac's Photonics Division, said, "This award is the result of a long series of technology developments at Intevac. The LIVAR® concept has been shown to be the enabling sensor technology for long range target identification at night. As part of the DRS team, Intevac will play a key role in the development of an all-in-one short-wave infrared long range laser imaging solution for positive target identification."
About LIVAR®
Currently the military uses several means for target location and identification including forward-looking infrared ("FLIR") systems and RADAR. While these systems can sense targets at relatively long ranges, the resolution at long ranges is poor, and positive identification is difficult, or impossible. Intevac's proprietary LIVAR® system complements existing FLIR and RADAR technology and enables visual target identification in addition to target sensing.
LIVAR® is similar to RADAR, but with a number of improvements. The illuminator is an eye-safe laser, rather than a microwave transmitter, and the reflected signal is displayed as a digital video image, rather than as a blip. This enables real-time, high-resolution imagery for target identification at ranges in excess of 20 kilometers, much longer than previously possible.
The long-range target identification made possible by LIVAR®is expected to offer significant value to the United States military and its allies. The risk to our pilots and their aircraft, and our ground soldiers and their assets, can be reduced by positively identifying targets and engaging the enemy at longer ranges. Friendly fire casualties to our own armed forces can be reduced by improved target identification. The risk of collateral damage to civilians can also be reduced.
About Intevac
Intevac is developing revolutionary photonics products that address potentially large commercial and military markets. The Company also produces sophisticated manufacturing equipment used in the manufacture of high technology products and is leveraging its equipment expertise to enable cost-effective production of new photonics products. Intevac's photonics products are high-speed electro-optical devices that detect light with extraordinary sensitivity. The Company's proprietary technology makes possible products such as long-range target identification systems, video cameras with night vision capability and high-speed photodiodes for use in fiber optic networks. Intevac's equipment products are designed to deposit or modify highly engineered thin-films of material on a variety of substrates. These systems are designed for continuous high volume manufacturing of precision thin-film products such as flat panel displays, magnetic media for hard drives and low-light-level cameras. For more information call 408-986-9888 or visit the Company's website at www.intevac.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). Intevac claims the protection of the safe-harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act, including statements related to adoption of LIVAR® technology by the Army, projected development schedules and the transition to volume production. The forward-looking statements contained herein involve risks and uncertainties that could cause results to differ materially from the Company's expectations. These risks and other factors are detailed the Company's regular filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE Intevac, Inc.
CONTACT:
Charley Eddy, CFO of Intevac, Inc.
+1-408-496-2259
ceddy@intevac.com
